Rotary flying billet shear



W. W. M'ACFARREN Jan. l14, 1941.

ROTARY FLYING BILLET SHEAR 'r sheets-shea 1 Filed June ;7, 195eA 'INVENT OR.

LLA,

Ilqlllllvlhl Jan. 14, 1941. wjw. MACFARREN ROTARY FLYING BILLET SHEAR Filed June 17,' 195e 7 vshes,t =sheet 3' Jan, 1.49 1941 w. w. MAcFARRx-:N

ROTARY FLYING BILLET SHEAR Filed June 17, 1936 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

FIG.. 5.

14, 1941,. i w. w. MAcFARREfN 2,223,896

ROTARY FLYING BILLET SHEAR' PATENT OFI-Ica ROTARY FLYING-mm1 susan Walter w. Madan-cn, Los-Angeles, cam.

Application June 17,

49 Claims.

.li/iv invention relates to rotary flying shears, and more particularly to heavy shears oi the drum type adapted to the hot'shearing of heavy billets and slabs. The present invention, as to form. t comprises a pair of heavy rotary members or drums, oneach'of which is vmounted (or may be mounted)v a plurality of kniie holders and knives. The objects of myV invention are: i. To provide four cutting knives on each drum, lo

that one pair. two pairs, or'four pairs of coacting knives may be locked in position and used to produce various cut lengths.

2. To provide means for maintaining a sub-v iii stantiaily constant speed of thebar being cut; as

a normal condition. i

3. To provide means for keeping the bar speed and the knife speed substantially equal (synchronous cutting) as a normal condition.

- 0,220 i. To provide means for operating the shear at a substantially constant speed for making certain cuts.

`ITo provide means for operatingthe shear at har speed uniform. l 6. To provide means for starting the shear from a state of rest for making the rst cut on each har.'

2m bar speed uniform, with controls for varying the har speed slightly under certain conditions, to

make asynchronous cuts. Y

t. To provide a plurality oi motors to drive the or more drive pinions engaging each of the said drive gears, whereby a double or triple strength drive is obtained. i l

ifi. To carry out the method of driving both ci the drum shafts by equal and independent motor drives, whereby the tooth action between the connecting gears is used merely for registering the drums and theiry contained knives with each other.

w li. To make use of the table rollersofthe apso mounted that they are in effect detachable; so v a pulsating speed for other cuts, while keeping the v il. 'i'o provide means for normally keeping the a 1936, serial No. 85,809 v(ci. 1ercai preach table for controlling` the speed oi the To make use of a master controller rotated by a member in geared vconnection with the drums. and in a xed ratio therewith, for timing the current supply to the driving motors, and of rheostats` iorvarying the current supply to the 17. And in general to provide a powerful and eificient shear.

'I'he prime purpose of the apparatus is to shear, for example, 4", 52', or G" square steel billets while hot, or slabs up to 3" x i2" into 'substantially equal sections of desired'length, say from sixto thirty feetor longer, and of any length in between, with reasonable accuracy. It will be notedthat the apparatus is a generic type, and may be modiiied in size to shear larger or smaller sections, while retaining the same general design and methods of operation.

Inth drawings: -Y Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of the shear, showing'thepositions ot th six driving motors.

Fig. 2 is a partian plan view partly in section through the shear drums and the cuttingknives.

Fig. 3 is a plan vieW partly in section', showing y the lower main shaft bearingsA and tension rods.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional elevation through the central plane of the main drums. Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional, ,elevation through the machine with the position of certain parts indicated in dotted lines.

Fig. 6 is a general wiring diagram.

Fig. 7 is an end elevation of the master coni troller. y

Fig. 8` is an elevation of the same partly in section.

Fig. 9 is a plan view fore.

Fig. 10 is a dlagra showing the cutting action ofthe knives. v

Fig. 11 is a table showing speeds, cuts, etc. My improved shear has a frame I composed of a plate 2. a cover 3, and two end members ,4. The bedplate 2 comprises a number of steelbeams l. and a-cover plate 8 fastened thereto s s by. riveting. The beams 5 rest on 'a suitable 'of the contact bars ther'evguide members foundation which may extend up between them to the under side of the coverplate 6.

'Ihe end members 4 arev securely fastened to the bed plate 2 as by bolting, and support the cover 3, which is formed .of beams 1 and channels 8, and a-bottom plate 9, the latter being securely fastened to thel beams 1 and channels 8, and the whole to the end members 4. The bed plate 2, the end members 4, and the cover 3, together form a rigid hollow rectangular frameV to support and position the various working partsA of the machine.

Upon the bed plate 2 there is mounted a pair of I0 securely fastened thereto. Each guide member I0 is provided with a pair of vertical machined surfaces II,v between which there is mounted allower drum shaft main bearing I2, having a cap I3. Planed ends I4 on the bearing I2, and similar ends I5 on the cap I3, engage the guiding surfaces II to position the bearings I2, of which there are four, two upper, and two lower. y

Suspended from and rigidly secured to the cover 3 there are a pair of similar'guides I6, which engage and position the upper main bearings I2 and their caps I3. Each main bearing vI2 has a shell I1, which may be babbittedor provided withY other types of' wearing surfaces. Due to the slow speed of rotation-normally about 121/2 R. P. M.- roller bearings are not deemed necessary here. although of course, they may be used.

Each cap I3 has a similar bearing shell I8, but` the shells I8 are smaller inv diameter than the shells I1, which prevents rotation of both the shells I1 and I8, as will be readily understood (Fig. 3). One pair of main bearings I2 engages the left hand vertical drum shaft 20, and the other pair engages the right hand vertical drum shaft 25. At the level of the upper main bearing centers (vertically) I provide a pair of main tension rods I9. These rods extend through the upper main bearings I2 and caps I3, and are i provided with full nuts 2 I which take the thrust vided with end nutsv 24.

Outside of the main nuts 2|, the rods I3 have I reduced ends 23, which pass through openings in the end members 4, and these ends/23 are proused to position the lower pair of main bearings I2. Each .of the main ldrum shafts 25 and 20 I is provided with an upper ball thrust bearing 26 and a lower ball thrust bearing 21. Each upper thrust bearing 26 sets in a recess-28 formed in one of the drum shafts 20 or 25, and its upper ,surface bears against one of the upper guides I6.

Each lower thrust bearing 21 sets in a' recess 29 in one of the lower. guides I0, and one of the drum shafts 20 or 25 rests on it. 'I'he drum shafts 20 and25 are thus confined against vertical movement by the thrust bearings 2 6 and 21. The drum shaft 20 has an upper journal 3l, a gear seat 32, a drum seat 33,'a gear seat 34, and alower journal 35. Between the portions 34 and 35 there is an integral collar 35, to support the weights of the bevel drive gear 15, the drum 30, and the registering spur gear 31.

From the description thus far it will be noted that the drum shafts 20. and 25 are positioned vertically by the bed plate 2, and the -cover 3, horizontally. in one direction by the guides I0 and I6, fastened respectively to the bed plate 2 and the cover 3; and horizontally in the other direction by the main tension rods I9. Thus the reactions due to the cuts are providedfor.

Similarv rods I9 are.

It will be apparent that the nuts 2I and 22, on the rods I9, may be used to adjust the centers of the shafts 20 and 25, so that the gears 31 are in correct mesh with each other, and that the gears 15 are in correct mesh with the bevel pinions 13 for an initial setting, and that when wear on the main bearings I2 permits improper meshing of these various gears, they may be again reset to correct mesh by means of the nuts 2I and 22.

In addition, the connection. of the main rods I9 with the end members 4 confines the drum shafts 25 and 25 against movement in the frame I. Each drum shaft 20 yand 25 is provided with a spur gear-31. These gears are duplicates and serve to register the shear drums 30 and 40, and the cutting knives, with each other. The gears 31 are each mounted on. a gear seat 32 above one of the drums 30 or 40, and each is secured to its shaft by two keys 12. v

The shaft 25 is provided with a knife carrying drum 40, which is mounted on the portion 33 of the shaft, and comprises a casting lhaving a hub 39, anupper web 4I, and a lower web 42. The upper and lower webs 4I and 42 .are each provided with four equally spaced bosses 43, having bored holes 44, in which are inserted pivot pins 45. Each pin 45 is provided with a head 46 larger than the pin, and the pins 45 are a tight fit in the holes 44, and keyed to .prevent rotation therein. t

' Upon each pin 45 there is` pivoted a knife holder 50, which has ahfiat bearing or thrust surface 41 which engages a similar flat surface 48 formed tending across between the webs 4I and 42. Each knife holder 50 carries a shear knife 55, the cutting surface of which is. on a radius of the drum 40. surface 48 is ata right angle to the radius of the drum. .Each knife55 is backed by a portion 5I of the knife holder 50, through which `bolts 52 may extend to secure the knife 55 in the usual manner. engages a groove 54 in the'knife holder 50.

Adjacent to the drum webs 4I and 42, a pair of lugs 56 on each knife holder 50 are formed',` and provided with slots 51 which register with corresponding slots 58 in the drum webs 4I and 42.

Tapered keys 59 extend through the slots 51 and 59, and secure the knife holder 50 rigidly in contact with itsseat 48. On the drum 30 there are mounted" four equally spaced knife holders 60,

vwhich are of similar construction to the knife holders 50 andA are provided with knives 65, which may be duplicates of the knives 55.

The knife holders 60 may be securedvby duplicate pivot pins 45 and duplicate keys 59, but are .provided with inclined seats 6I which b'ear against inclined surfaces 52, similar to the surfaces 48 of the drum 40. The knives 65 are also inclined to the drum radius as shown in Fig. 2 and yin the cutting diagram Fig. l0. These iiguresshow These are the 4straight'kniv es, and the The inner edge 53 of each knife 55 that at the start of the cut, the knives 55 engageA thebar -10 obliquely, with one corner only and in such a way that the knife is well backed up by its holder 5U. They also show that at the .start of the cut, the inclined knives 65 engage the bar 10 squarely, in the manner of an ordinary stationary shear, and that in this position the lknives 65 are also well backed up.

ASi() 2,228,896 other, these conditions are reversed, the knives 'if desired.

The reason for pivoting the knife holders is obviously so 'that they may be swung into an in; operative position'when not in use, as indicated in dotted lines at 49. In previous patents of this inventor (1,849,501 and 1,965,523) and in the patents to other inventors (Edwards 1,304,034 etc.) Athere are shown machines provided with radially adjustable knives, which can be re tracted when a cut is not desired. For vsuch a heavy machine as that herein shown this construction would be costly, if not impracticable for lack of space to position such heavy parts.- The present arrangement gives a similar result at greatly lessened cost, and probably with increased reliability for heavy service.

above it are supported by the collar 36C 'Ifo continue the description, when the knife holders 50 or 50 are swung into inoperative position, as shown at 49 in Fig. 2, the same keys 59 are used to lock them in this position.

When thisi is done the keys 59 are withdrawn from the slots 58 and replaced in a series of slots Eil formed in the upper and lower drum webs 4| I and 42, in appropriate locations. -Since the keys 59 are tapered lengthwise to facilitate entrance and to obtain closecontact, they must be lnserted from the top and dropped into the appropriate slots. To provide for this, clearance openings 04 are formed inthe webs of the gears 31', and a pair of openings, one for each drum 30 and 40, is provided in the bottom plate 9 of cover 3.

By rotating the drum so the key to be changed is under one of these openings, it may be withdrawn oir-replaced, preferably by the use of a small power hoist located on the cover 3. In a similar way the pivot pins 45 may be withdrawn or replaced if this should be necessary. Below each drumV 30 "or 40 on the shafts 20 and 25, there is mounted a main bevel' drive gear15,

which engages the shaft collar 98. The upper end of each hub 56 abuts against a. drum 30 or t0, so that the gear'15 and the drum 30 or 40 The rim of the gear 15 has amachined surface 5B which contacts a similar surface59 on the drum 30 (or 40). Dowel pins 1| may be set-in as shown to connect. the gear 15 and the drum.

Each shaft 20 or 25 has two keys 12 which err-l gage the gear 15 and its connected drum. Each main bevel gear 15 meshes with three bevel drive pinions 13, (see Figs. l, 4, and) these pinions 13 being mounted on drive shafts 80 arranged'to radiate from the center .of each of the drum shafts 20. and 25 (three from each) as shown in Iiigxl. The inner end of each shaft 80 is supported by a 'roller bearing 14 mounted in a bore it formed in one of the end frame members 4. .A similar. drive is employed for the drum 40.

Referring to Fig. 4, the plate between the pinion 13 and the bearing 14 may be of the diameter indicated and be split, or it may be in one piece and of a diameter small, enough,- to go through the bore 18, for removal.

Referring to Fig. 1, each of the six shafts 8l has an individual motor "to -drive it. These motors are designatedA-BrC-D-E-F and may for present purposes be assumed to be' of the formed in a bracket 84, secured to the top of built-inl gear reduction type, the motor frame lproper being indicated by the numeral 11, and

the gear case by the numeral 18.

Each of the shafts 80 extends into one of the gear cases 18, and is secured to the main drive gear therein', or the gear g case shaftsand the shafts 80 may be connected outside the gear cases by any suitable form of couplings. From a mechanical standpointthis form of drive gives each main drive gear 15, so that the gear is in eifect three times as strong as if only one drive pinion 13 Wereused, or `for the same strength only one third the diameter. Also the motors three gear tooth contacts or driving points on may be of sizes interchangeable with others used inthe mill.

In Fig. 1, approach table rollers are indicate at' 19, and delivery table Vrollers at 8i. From shaft a small 'vertical shaft 82 extends up through the cover 3, and engages a bearing 83 the cover 3.v Referring* to Fig. 8, atthe upper end of shaft 482 there is mounted a -rniter-gear 85 which meshes with and drives a miter gear 86, loosely mounted on a horizontal shaft 81.

The A gear 8E has a long hub" 88 forming a journal which rotates in the bearing 89 of the lbracket 8d. Four clutch teeth 90 on the hub 88 co-act with four clutch teeth 9| on a four jawed clutch 92',

which is connected to the shaftjl by a key 93.

, B y means of this four jawed clutch, any one of the four pairs. of knives maybe used as the` starting pair. Astandard 95 is fastened to the1 upper surface of the cover 3which latter may form the operators pulpit. the shaft 81 is supported by a. bearing 94 in the standard 95'. Directly above the shaft 81l there is mounted a. parallel shaft 98 in bearings 0E and t1. i The shafts and 93 are connected'by a pair l of equal spur gears 99 and 10|, andas the gears 85 and 86 are also equal gears, the shaft 90 yrotates in. synchronism (equal speed) with the on each of these overhanging ends there may having a hub 68 provided with a counterbore 61, be mounted a' cam drum ma which carries the cam segmentsA I|0 for operating the contactors The right end of "I, 3o

drum shaft 20. The shaft 'overhangs the bearl 4ings 96 and 91 an equal amount at each end, and 4,5

As the ends of the Shaft sa overhang, the cam 5G drums |00 can be slipped over either end while the machine is running. "I'hus one' cam drum can 'be controlling the machine for a certain length of cut, andA another cam drum |00 can be 5'5 placed on the otherend of the shaft 98 in readiness for the next length to be cut. The drums |00 are hollow, and can be cheaply made of cast iron. They are each provided with two hubs |02 and |03, the latter of which is keyed to the shaft 98 by the key |04, and retained on the shaft by a set collar |05. Each camvdrum |00 is provided with four pairs of flanges |05, between each pair of which there is formed a 'machined groove'll,

these latter being all of the same width and bot- 6 tom diameter. Y

The outer surfaces |08 of the flanges |06 are turned to a uniform diameter to form a smooth track for the cam rollers |30. Within the grooves l |01 there are 'secured segmental metal cams ||0 which are curved to nt the bottoms of the grooves |01, and which are of a thickness slightly less than the width of these grooves. 'Ihe cam segments |I0 are held in position by set screws a number of whichare set in one of each pair '7F 0 'of flanges |06.

azzecca Similar contactors |40 on other levers |25 are arranged to connect the bar |50 with each of the drums 30 or 40, so that the position ofthe knives v is always indicated. One arm of the wheel I|2 carries an insulated contactor II3, which is conl nected by a Wire I I4 with an insulated metal ring- II-5, which latter is continuously engaged by a brush IIE set in a bracket I I1, insulated therefrom and connected to a wire II8.

The contactor. I|3 is arranged to contact at each revolution of the shaft 98, with an insulated contact block IIS supported by 'a bracket I2I. These elements form a portion of the brake circuit to be described in detail later. A small shaft is rigidly mounted in a pair of brackets |22,

each supported on a channel bar 23, and serves as a fixed pivot for a series of contactor levers |25.

One end of each channel |23 is supported by a lug Aover one of the bearings 96 or 91, and the other end is yfastened to a channel |24, which is supported by a pair of light columns |26 rfrom the top of the cover 3. Each lever is provided with a boss |21, which is bored to fit the shaft |20 loosely. `At one end of each lever |25 there is mounted a small roller |30 on a pin |29, the latter being fixed between two plates |28, wlchla'e secured to the lever |25 by a pair of bo s 3 It will be seen from Fig. 8 that the levers |25 is fastened a spring cup by a bolt |34. For eachlever |25 there is an independent `coiled spring e resting on the channel |32, and engaging a cup |33 to keep the cam roller I30-tightly pressed against the pair of anges |06, upon which the roller |30 rides.

As shown in Fig. 7, the right end of each lever l |25 1s provided with a pair 'of integral couars |36 between which there is formed a cylindrical surface or journal |31. Upon this journal |31 VJthere is mounted a pair of clamps |38, which are made of some suitable insulating material such as hard fiber or Bakelite. Between each two clamps I 38 there is placed a metal contactor |40, which is secured between the clamps |38 by a single bolt |39, upon whichit is plvoted. The contactors |40 each have a pair of bent ends |42, which form contact surfaces to engage a pair of bars below them. Each pairof co-actother bars IBI, |52, and |53. Each cam drum |00 and associated parts may" thus control four electric circuits.. f

The cam levers |25 are spaced apart by separators |41, and set collars |40 are provided at the ends oi' the shaft |20. On each bracketl |22 there is a boss |49 in the bores of which is placed a lock bar |55., which is long enough to extend from boss to boss |43v and to project either to -the right or left (Fig. 8) an amount suiiicient to engage the four cam levers I 25 on either side. that is, one side at a time. By swinging the contactors |40 to their inoperative position shown at |44, and locking them there by the bolts I 43, and then llIting the cam rollers |30 oi the cams about an inch, the lock bar` |55 may he set underneath four of the cam levers |25 so as to hold them clear of an inch of clearance between them. In Fig. 2, I

show'the relation of the table rollers 19 and 0|,

vwebs 42, and the guides 225. In Fig. 4, cross angles 2|5 are secured as by riveting to the beams 5 and underneath the'same. On the center line between the drums 30 and 40 and above the cover plate 6, a pair of angles 2I6 secured to the ybeams 5, support a vertical plate 2I1'through,

ing clamps |33 is clamped/ to the journal |31 by twor bolts I 43. By manipulatingthese bolts |43, the contactors |40 maybe locked either in a working position, or in an inoperative positicn` as shown by dotted lines at |44 inv Fig. '1. Upon the channel |24 there are mountedtwo blocks of insulating material |45, such as slate.

These blocks |45 are somewhat longer than the width of the cam drums |00. 'I'here are six insulating strips |45 secured to each block |45, forming live parallel grooves in which are mounted two sets of copper bars to supply certain circuits..In the center groove is mounted the bar |50 which is supplied withcurrent from the positive main. To one side oflt are located the bars bars |53 and |54. 1

which the lower pair of main rods I9 pass in close iitting holes. y

A similar pair of angles 2I8 and a plate 2I9 arel secured under the plate 9 to engage the upper pair of main rods I8. These supports prevent vibrationof the rods I9. On each side of the center plate 2|1 there is placed a curved vertical plate 220 connected by an angle 22| to the cover plate 3, toiprevent scale and dirt from reaching the thrust bearings 21. As the bars pass through the shear scalefalls on the lower drum webs 42, and is dropped off their outer edges. Openings 222 are formed in the plate 6 to allow this scale to fall through into -a pit from whence it may be removed at convenient intervals.

End'pieces 225 are secured to the beams 1 and channels 8 of the cover 3, so that thespaces bef" tween Vthese members may be lled with concrete.- By using small steel scrap such as rivet punchings and a gout of Portland cement, considerable mass can be added to the cover 3 at small expense, which will reduce noise and vibration. 'Ihe hollow interiors of the end members 4 can be similarly. treated after erection.

In Fig. 5, segmental gear covers 230 are shown secured to the channels 8, to cover the outer edge of each main gear 31.

In addition to lthe control elements, a pair o! ltachometers ymay be provided' one driven from the shear and showing the peripheral speed of It has been assumed so far that the shear driving motors A'-BCDE-F are duplicates and therefore of equal size. This is a matter of convenience only, and not one of necessity. It is only necessary that each motor does its share of the work, and that no one of the bevel drive pinions 13 is over loaded.

The stressrand wear are Well distributed on the bevel drive gears. Because there are four evenly spaced knives on each drum, therev are also Afour evenly spaced points of maximum wear on eachA bevel gear 15, and as thereare three pinions 'I3 engaging each main drive gear 15, there are thus twelve points of maximum tooth stress and wear on each of these gears.'

Having now covered the mechanical descripl0 tionV of my improved rotary billet shear, I Will describe the cuts to be made, and the manner and method of making them, before describing the Aelectrical circuitsV in detail. The'machine under discussion is designed to shear 4'5", or 6" square billets of various lengths. Since this is fairly heavy duty, and since 7it usuallyl requires a longer period of time to roll the bar than to shear it, it is not herein proposed to'shear the bar at the-delivery speed of the mill. This would befes- -pecially diflicult for a reversing blooming mill, as

such mills have varying delivery speeds. The present method of cutting therefore involves the .delivery of the bar clear of the mill oils onto a shear approach table before the cut' ting action begins. However, for a continuous mill the shear' could engage the bar as it issued from the last stand of rolls. The approach table may be assumed to deliver the bar to the shear at a speed `of 300 feet per minute, which in the foly lowing discussion willbe the cutting speed for Aall cuts. This speed may be maintained substantiallyconstant by the table motors, under controls to be described later. L

' In order to clearly present the 'operations required to cut the various lengths, the tablel Fig. l1 gives various data.' 'Ihe periphery of the knife travel is assumed as 24 feet, and by the use of four pairs of knives this periphery may be dividedV into quarters, halves, or used as a whole, with re- 40 spectively four pairs, two pairs, or one pair of knives in use. V g

When the peripheral speed of the knives is kept constantly equal to thev lineal speed of the bar l 4 we have synchronousl cutting, and lcan then cutlengths of six feet, twelve feet, or twenty four feet. However, it is desired to cut all lengths between six feet-and thirty feet. `The table Fig. ll shows how this lmay be done. For dnstance,

5m if the shear is cutting six foot sections at a bar speed 'of 300 feetper minute, it is obvious that if the bar speed be kept constant 'at that figure (table speed), and the' shear speed reduced be` tween'cuts, a certain amount, we can cut sevenA foot sectionsbut it is imperative that at the. instant of cuttingvthe .knife speed and the bar speed shall be the same. This involves the use.

of pulsating speeds.

in order [to obtain a`definite short crop end 6o from' the leading end of the bar', itris :necessary to start the shear at a denite point in the ad- Vance ofthe bar, and to have a certain pair of knives at the starting point. This involves starting and stopping the shear foreach bar, but,

65 this vis not objectionableas there is ample time between bars. In order to keepthe cutting speed thesame for various sizes of bars. the torque at the cutting instant must bev varied in pro portion toA the resistance offered by the bar.- l

When using /six motorsas indicated, it is of advantage to use some ofthe motors (as drivers) all the time, and others only part of the time. For shearing the maximum sections' (6" `x 6") I propose to use two of the motors during the y7.5 idling period between cuts, four of the motors vTherapie, to obtain the effects 'indicated in i the table Fig. 11 it is necessary to` fully control the following speeds, times, and forces.

- 41. The idling period for lsynchronous cutting at 300 F. P. M. This is done by the use of Itwo motors taking an adjusted supply of current through a rheostat. f-

2. The idling period for asynchronouscutting, which is effected by the same motors and the same rheostat, with perhaps a diierent amount of current supply.

3. A variable idling speed Ior lag, which is effected by the'same two motors and'rheostat, in combination with an intermittent cam controlled current supply.

.14. Starting the shear from rest and accelerating -to the constant cutting speed-this is a task of a fixed value-the same ,for every startand may be accomplished by fourmotors and a controlling rheostat, the current supply being timed by a flag or automatic switch and cams.

5. Stopping the shear with a certain pair of knives in a definite position ready for thenext start. eiectof proper intensity.

6. Fixing the amountbi' current required to 'cut each `diiierent size of sectionL and exactly timing the supply of this current to the time required to make the cut. A

'7. Accelerating the shear drums `lust prior to the cut and'afte'r a considerable drop in speed (lag).

'rAcceiei-ating above the normal idling speed of 300 F. P. M. for certain cuts.

9.1Syn`chronizing the shear speed with the speed ofthe feeding rollers of the approach table.

10. Automatically brakingthdriving motors to reduce the shear speed quickly for certain cuts. 11.F Reversing hand controls for the shear and for the table for repairs, adjustments, cobbles etc. This list of requirements appears to be difficult and' complicated. but it becomes 'surprisingly l simple when use is made of an automatic cam controlled master controller, in combination with a separate circuit for each desired function, and a iiag operated start. l r il,

Referring now-to the general wiring diagram Fig.v 6, when the advancing bar 10 raises the nag K as shown, current flows from Vthe posi-,- tive main through a wire IBI to amagnetic switch M, and thence through a wire |82 and through the closed push button switch L to a wire IBI leading to a contact |84 on the flag lever which is'plvoted to a bracket |66,'this bracket being mounted on a support (not shown) which is adjustable to and. from the shear to vary the length-of the front crop end. 4

The moving contact |64 is now in contact with the stationary contact |51y from which a wire This may be done lby va timed braking |68 leads to a ground. In reality all the grounds.

vshown would connect to a negative main, the l l grounds being shown merely to simplify the diagram.

The ilag"contacts |64 and |61 having thus closed a circuit through the coil of the magnetic switch M, the main contactor |69 is raised into contacttwith the contacts |10 and I'||. thus energizing the positive mains |12 and |13through the switches X and Y. The main 2|2 supplies- Vcurrent to the shear controller S, and tothe table 4controller T, through the switch W and the table rheostat V. A

' only, and only when the shear is idling between- The main |13 supplies current tothe contact bars |50 i'or the cam operated contactors of the idling, accelerating. and cutting circuits. In the description of Figs. 7 and 8, 'it was explained that there are only two sets of contact bars nected bars |50, butin Fig. 6-for the Vsake of clearness, four sets of these barsV are shown so that the four circuits controlled by them may be easily visualized. Also, for clearnessl all the power circuits are shown as being closed; this will however never be the case at the same time,

`as each circuit will be closed by the cam actu- A ated contactors |40 at the -appropriate moment forthe service demanded bythe various motors Considering first the brake circuit, Ucurrent iiows from the main |60 to a separate contact bar 2|| through a wire 2| 0, and thence through one of the contactors |40 to the contact bar IBI, and thence through the wire '|14 to the brake rheostat O, andthence by a wire |90 to the brush I8 supplying the ring i5, and through a wire ||4 to the contact ||8 (see Fig. 8) on the starwheel l2. t

When the rotating contact H3 reaches the contact ||9, current may flow through the Wire 209 to a stationary contact |15 which is in position to be engaged by a movable contact |18 mounted on a hand lever |11, which is pivoted to a bracket |18. The lever |11 is held by a spring |19 against a stop |80, so that the contacts |15 and |16 are normally separated and the circuit is open.

When, at the appropriate moment, this circuit is closed, current may iow through a wire |8| to the brake J, and thence by a wire |82 to the brake I, and thence lto ground.-

It will be noted that the brakes I and J are applied by the application oi the current, and releasedwhen the brake circuit is open. These brakes may be of any usual or desired kind. As the braking action is required for certain cuts cuts, or to stop the shear between bars, brakes are furnished only for the two motors A andB, and the brakes are normally not applied.

For the idling circuit, current flows from the main |13 to a contact bar |50, and thence through a contactor |40 to the contact bar |52.

From the bar |52 current flows through a wire' `|84 to the idling rheostat P, and thence through a wire |85 to a wire |86 which supplies the motors A and B.

, For the accelerating circuit, current ilows from the main |13 to a contact bar |50 and thence through a contactor |40 to the contact bar |53, and thence through a wire |88 to the accelerating rheostat ,Q. Fromthence Va. Wire |69 leads to a wire |90 connecting `with the motors C and E. From the wire |89 a second wire |9| leads to motor D, and a third wire |92 leads to motor F. Thus motors C-D-E-F are connected for starting and acceleration:`

For cutting' alll six motors may be used, and current ows Vfrom main |13 to one oi thek contact bars |50, and thence througha contactor |40 to the contact bar |54. From bar |54 a wire |93 leads to the rheostat R, and a.l second Wire |94 leads tothe brush |95.- A' wire 202 leads from a connection with the wire |94 to `a connection with the wires/W |89 and ,|9|.' The brush |95 contacts an insulated ring |95 mount- -edcn the hub |91 or the star wheel l l2, which is in turn mounted on the shaft 98 and keyed thereto. f

At the opposite side of the hub |91 there are mounted four 'contacts |98 which are of sufiicient length,(around the hub |91) to supply current during each cutting period. These contacts |98 are connected tothe ring |96 by cross pieces |99, so as to be supplied with current thereby. f l

The four contacts |98 are spaced equally around the hub. |91 and the said hub is so positioned on the shaft 98. that each time a pair of knives on the main drums 30 and 40 are in position to make a cut, the contcts |98 are in position to supply current to" he cutting circuit. A brush 200 successively engages the contacts |98 and carries current to a wire 20|, which connects with the wire |86`supplying the motors A and B. Thus all the motors A-B--C- D-E-F may be operated to drive the shear at the cutting instant.

'Ihere are thus three power circuits in addition to the, brake circuit, 1st: the idling circuit through rheostat P, Wires |84, |95, and |86 to motors A and B; 2nd: the acceleration circuit through rheostat Q, and wires |88, |89, |90, |9|, and |92 to the four motors C-E-D-F; and 3rd: the cutting circuit through the rheostat R, and the wires |93, 202, |89, |90, |9|, |92, |94, 20|, |88,.and the brushes |95 and 200, to all six motors A-B-C-D-E-F.

` Each of these circuits has its own rheostat to regulate the amount of current supplied, and in each of the circuitsthe current supply is timed by the camcontrolled contactors |40, to give complete control of the motor operations., For the purpose ofl turning the shear over for inspection, k'nife changes, knife holder settings etc., Iv provide a reversing controller S withf'a bank of `resistance. Ui Current mayy ow from main 2|2 through the switch W to the controller \S, and from thence to and from the resistance U'over wires 203 and 204, and thence by a Wire 205 to the wire |88 leading to the idling motors A and B. At such times as controller S is used, the switches X and Y may be opened,

In addition to the shear motors A-B-C- DE.-F controls are shown for the approach or feed table motors G and H. The wire 2|2 is extended to the controller T which is connected to the rheostat V by a wire or wires 206, from whence wires 201 and 209 lead to motors G and H. During normal operation of the shear the controller T may be in the full on position for forward motion (feed to shear), and the speed of the motors G and H may be set at a substantially xed value by the rheostat V.

In some cases it will be of advantage to vary this speed somewhat as will appear later. When it may be desired to reverse or manipulatethe table rollers, the controller T and the rheostat V may be operated together. It will be noted that theA main |60 supplies all current for the operation of the shear motors, and also that for the table motors. Thus changes in line voltage' taszasao y. v each circuit' operati/ng on a section of the whole resistance. l

The operationof my improvedvrotary shear varies with the cuts beingv made, as shown in table 'rheostat V. Assuming two Iseconds are.

required to bring the shear drums and 40 Troni a state of rest to a speed of 300 F. P. M., this will equal ten feet of travel of the bar 10, and the flag K maybe set ten feet ahead of the point of engagement o1 the knives, plus the length of the desired iront crop` end-say two ieet-or a total of twelve feet from the I point where the knives first grip the bar. f

As the work required to bring the shear drumsn motors, gearing, etc. from rest tothe desired speed is made up of acceleration, which is practically constant (except for differences in the positions of the knife holders), and of Vfriction which is also nearly constant, the amount of current required to start the shear from a uniform position of the drums, and the time of application of this current will be substantially constant at all times and for all out lengths'.

This amount of current may be regulated by the acceleration rheostat Q, and the timing may be controlled-by the appropriate -contactorcams .||0. Thus a regulated amount of current may be supplied for a length of time just suilicient to bring the shear. from a state oi rest. to the desired speed of 300 feet per minute Just before the knives engage the bar. The setting of the rheostat Q will therefore be normally the same for starting on all cuts, but it may be varied slightly if necessary at any time.

Just prior to theengagement o1 the bar by the knives, the cutting current isvsupplied to all six of the shear driving motors by the appropriate contacter |40 through the cutting rheostat R.

Both the amount of the current supply and the .time of its application will vary" with the .thickness of the section cut-the rst because there is more power needed for thethickensections, and the second because `the point of knife engagement varies`with the thickness cut. The. temperature of the bar willalso be a factor.v

Theoretically, it wouidtherefore'be necessary to have a different set of cam sectors l I0 for each `thickness cut, to obtain a different timing, and a diierent setting of rheostat R to obtain a diii'erent ampere delivery, but practically, in most cases the timing vmay be obtained with sufficient accuracy by changing thensetting of the 4ac :cele'ration rheostat Qfand the current xsupply may be regulated by rheostat R.

They above method takes care of six, twelve, and twenty four foot cuts,4 during which` the shear speed remains substantially constant between the first and last cuts on each bar, and also substantially the same as the bar speed. i

Considering now a seven foot cut, col. llvof thecltable Fig. 11, shows that the average knifel speed between cuts must bereduced to 4247.8 feet` "l w per minute," the speed at the cutting instant're--l mainingat sot F. P2M., and the speed of the bar 10 being substantially constant at ,300 F. P. M. Col.j12 of' the `table also shows lthat the'minimum sped of the yshear drums fora seven footcut would be 195.6 feet per minute. f

1n the tatie su the figures 1n co1. 12 have been calculated on the basis of uniform acceleration and deceleration as a matter of convenience.

The iigure 195.6 F. P. M. istherefore a depression or negative peak in the acceleration diagram. In practice however, the acceleration and deceleration may be sharper, as four motors are avail.

able for acceleration, and powerful brakes fory the shear drums to lag with respect to the bar.

After sufficient lag, the` idling motors wouldV be cut in againand if necessary, following this, the accelerating motors would be cut in long enough to bring the drums up to speed just before the cutting current is supplied to all six motors to make the cut.

It will now be seen that for each cut length a different cam drum |00 must be used, withcams ||0 appropriate to the demands oi the various circuits. These cams may be laid out and constructed with sufficient accuracy after some experience or trial operation of the shear, but they can always be modified in'place. vThe cycle for a seven foot cut on a 6" x 6" bar would then be as follows, after theprellminary starting period:

1. cutting with au six motors-aime 0.25 secsbar travel 1.25 ft.

:sorI

2. Indeterminate'idlingV period with all power off At the end of each bar, and independent of thel cut lengths, the shear 'must be stopped in readiness to start again for the nextbar, and with the number one pair (starting pair) ofknives in a predetermined position.-

lThis is accomplished as follows; After the last cut has been made on each bar, the shear operator presses the push button switch L, which opens r the coilcircuit lof the magnetic switch M, and allows` the contacter |69 todrop, thus cutting oit the curr nt supply to the shear motors AB C-D-E- but not to the table motors G and H, which may run constantly or b e under the control of another operator 4,through separate controls (not shown). l

The brake circuit also remains ready to be v energized. At the same time the shear operator pulls the lever to close the brake circuit through the contacts |15 and |16, and holds this circuit closed until the brakes are applied by the timing contacts ||3 and H9, and the shear drums 4have come to rest. 'He'then releasesv the lever |11, 'when thespring |10 opens the circuit "through the contacts |15 and |16, thus leaving the brakes off and rthe shear drums ready to be startedagain for the first cut on the succeeding bar, which is accomplished automatically by the flagK and `magnetic switch M.

From the table 11, it will be noted that cuts lfrom six to nine-feet inclusive are made with :all four' pairs of knives -(8 knives) that cuts from.

-ten to twenty one feet inclusive are made with twoopposite pairs o! knives (4 knives)-and that .8 cuts above twenty /one feet in length are with only one pair of knives (2 knives).

Before starting a 'series of cuts -it is therefore necessary to swing the shear knife holders 50 and.V ,5: 60 into operative position and lock them there by the keys 59, and to swing those knife holders not chosen for cutting, into their inoperative positions and lock them there. For seven, eight, and nine foot cuts, the operationis similar, the only dif- A ference being in the amount of lag of the shear drums to allow more or less of the bar 'l0 to pass. For a ten foot' cut however, a new condition arises. Here it is necessary to speed up the shear drums because only four knives (2 pairs) are. in

made

use. This may be accomplished merely by starting the acceleration period before each cut sooner than usual, by the proper cams H0, and thus a1- lowing the drumsto reach a higher speed, and then cutting off the supply of acceleratingcurrent in time for the drums to drop to cutting speed just before. the cutting current is switched on As before stated, the maximum speed of 437.6 F. P. M. shown for this cut, may be much less with faster acceleration. An eleven foot cut requires a similar operation Vwith a lower maximum speed of the shear drums. A twelve foot cut is made in just the same way as a six foot cut, except that only two pairsof knives are used to make these cuts. Cuts from thirteen to twenty one feet inclusive ane made in a -way similar to thatfor seven, eight, or nine foot cuts, except that only two pairs of knives are cutting. I

For twenty twoand twenty three foot cut'sthe operation is similar to that for ten and eleven foot cuts, as the drum speeds must be increased between cuts. A twenty four foot cut is made l synchronously like six and twelve foot cuts, using only a. single pair of knives.

For all cuts twenty live feet and over there is a lag betweenwcuts, using acsingle pair of knives. Forrcuts over thirty feet this lag may become lnearly a full stop, in which c ase the shear drums would be allowed to drift to a near stop, and then .45 be accelerated to cutting speed Just before the cut.

In all cases the cutting current should be applied just before the knives engage the bar.

In timing the shear for a stop, some one :pair of knives (if more than one pair are in use), must be selected to stop at the desired position in readiness to make a first cut when the1shear is again started. This pair of knives may be called the number one pair. If however the same pair was used continuously the wear on them would be greater than that on the other knives, so I have provided the fourjawe'd clutch 92, the four Jaws of which register with the four pairs of cutting knives. By shifting the, clutch to any one of its four engageable positions, any one ofthe four pairs of evenly spaced knives may be made the starting or number one pair.

It may now be seen why four pairs of cutting knives are used. It is because no other number is soeiiicient, convenient and economical.

f Without at least four pairs of' knives all the cuts listed in the table could not be made. With more than four pairs of knives space is not avail able to fold the knife holders into inoperative pov.fsitions. No 1ess than eighvtl pairs of knives would give equal facility of operation, and this would double thecost of the knives and knife holders. The speed of 300' F. P. M. is believed to be practicable for a 6" lx 6" billet, and higher speeds Pfeould be used for smaller sizes. Obviously these cutting speeds may be as low as desired.

yaaaasee For cuts intermediate of the even lengths given in the table (viz. 6-7-8 28-29-30 ft.) similar methods of operation may be used with a special cam'drum |00 and cams H0 being required for each cut length. For slight differences from the standard even lengths given, say 7'11 or 8?-1, the table rollers 19 and the shear drums 30 and l0 could be operated asynchronously by merelye changing the setting of the table rheostat V, Without making any other change. For heavy sections however this is notrecommended except at low speeds.

y It will be noted that I employ wholly new principles and mechanism' for synchronizing the bar speed and the knife speed. Some prior inventors have given the shear drums lvariable speeds by change gears and differential gears from a constant speed motor-othershave used Scotch yokes, elliptic gears, and various other mechanisms to mechanically effect a pulsating speed of the shear knives. Several inventors have used pinch rolls vfor` controlling the speed of the bar. In al1 these cases electric motors are used to drive the shear, and in practically all of them roller tables are 'used to convey the bar to the shear to within thefreach of the feeding mecha-- nism used.

In the present invention I control the speed of the shear at either a uniform, variable, or pulsating speed, solely by the use of the driving motors, and in addition I control the torque of the motors bypre-adjusted rheostats, thus dispensing with all mechanical speed changing devices.

I also use the table rollers of the shear approach table to control the spe'ed of the bar, and sychronze their operation with that of the shear in such\a manner as to obtain sufficient accuracy for :cutting billets, thus eliminating pinch rolls. I also provide automatic meansfor starting the shear, and means for' both synchronous and asynchronous operation thereof.

It will be evident that a horizontal shear such asthat shown has certain advantages over a shear in which the idrums rotate. in vertical planes. These are:

l. The horizontal shear is lower, wider, and more stable.

^ 2. The pivoted knife holders may be swung manually merely against the friction of their pivots.

VIrl. The distortion of thelbillet is less-there is no lifting of the same by the knives wheny cutting.

4. The delivery from the shear of fshort rear crop ends is much facilitated by a continuous support.

5. An inexpensive structural frame may be used.

6. Idling friction is less due to ball thrust bear.- ings.

7. 'I'he machine is more accessible than a verticalmachine.

8. No large gear covers are needed. The disadvantages as compared to a vertical shear are:

1,'Bevel drive-'gears are necessary, or at least" preferable@ 2; lThe shear (as shown). can cut only one bar at a time. .Y 3. Slabs must be sheared on edge.

Regarding the use of six motors to drive the shear, this is a matter of mechanical convenience and possibly of economy in 'first cost, coupled with probably increased electrical efficiency due to fuller loads on the idling motors during the idlingperiods. It,will^be noted that since all 10. A horizontal rotary ying shear comprising a four part frame composed of a bed'plate, a cover, and two end members, a pair of drums mounted. for rotation on xed vertical axes, means for driving the said drums, coacting shear knives on the said drums, the said cover being composediof a number of rolled steel sections and a bottom plate, the said base plate being also composed of a number of rolled steel sections and a cover plate, and the interstices between the rolled steel sections of the base plate and the cover plate being filled With concrete or other heavy material to reduce noise and vibration,

and to provide additional mass in the structure to absorb shocks.

1l. A horizontal rotary flying shearcomprising a four part frame composed of a base plate, a cover, and two end members, a pair of drums mounted for, rotation on fixed vertical axes, means for driving the said drums, coacting shear knives on the said drums, and the said cover being adapted to form an elevated iioor or pulpit upon which the operating controls may be mounted.

12. v A horizontal rotary flying shear comprising a frame having top, bottom, and end portions, a pair of vertical shafts, means for driving the same, upper and lower bearings for the said shafts, .a drum on each of the said shafts between the said upper and lower bearings, coacting shear knives on the said drums, a pair of tension rods connecting the said upper shaft bearings and extending to the end frame members, and slots in the said end frame members to receive the ends of the said tension rods and extending to the tops of the said end frame members, Whereby the said pair oftension rods and the said upper shaft bearings may be removed together after the top frame member has been removed.

13. A horizontal rotary flying shear comprising aframe, two parallel vertical shafts mounted therein, and geared together, a bevel drive gear on one of the said shafts, a drum on each of the said shafts. coacting shear knives on the said drums, a drive shaft, a bevel pinion thereon meshing with the said bevel drive gear, an opening in the end of the said frame, and a bearing in the said opening for the said drive shaft. the diameter of the said opening being large enough to permit removal of the said bevel drive pinion through the said opening, without removing theA said pinion from its shaft.

14. A rotary flying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted on parallel-axes for rotation about fixed centers, a shear knife on each of the said drums coacting with a knife on the other drum to shear a moving bar, a motor or` motors for driving the shear, and four separate electrical circuits for controlling the operation thereof, including a braking circuit, an idling circuit, an accelerating circuit, and` a cutting circuit; means for regulating the` amount of current supply tol each of the s aid four circuits. and

`vertical shafts for rotation about the same, coacting shear knives on the drums, a vertical shaft lfixed to one 4of the drum shafts and positioned 1 above the same, a horizontal shaft connected to the said vertical shaft by bevel gears, a second horizontal shaft located above the first and driven thereby at a speed equal to that of the drum shafts, motors for driving `the drum shafts, l detachable cams mounted on the said second shaft, and contactors actuated by the said cams for controlling the current supply to the said driving motors, to make the desired shearing cuts.

17. A rotary flying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted on parallel axesfor rotation on fixed centers, coacting knives carried by the said drums, means for feedingthe bar to be sheared to the knives, means for driving the drums, a master controller driven in a fixed ratio to one of the drums, the said controller including detachable cams, contact'bars'rforvdistributing means for timing theapplication of the said curl rentsupply to each of the said fourfcircuits.

15. A rotary flying shear comprising a\ pair of "I rotary drums lmounted on parallel axes for rotation about xed centers, a shear knife -on each of the said drums coacting with a knife on the other drum to shear a moving bar, a motor or motors for drivingthe shear, and four separate electrical circuits for controlling the operation thereof including a braking circuit, an idling circuit, lan accelerating circuit, and a cutting circuit; van independent rheostat for each of' the `the shear for closing the said shunt circuit and current tothe driving motors, and contactors operated by the asid cams and engaging the said contact bars, for timing the application of the said current to the said motors.

18. A rotary flying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted on parallel axes for rotation on fixed centers, spaced coacting knives carried by the said drums, means for feeding the bar to be sheared to the knives, means for driving the drums, a master controller driven in a fixed ratio from one of the drums, the' said controller -including detachable cams, rocker arms actuated thereby, contact barsfor distributing current to the driving motors, a contact bar for supplying current to an electrically operated brake, and contactors operated by the said cams and erigaging the said contact bars to time the application of the said driving and braking currents.

19. A rotary flying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted to rotateon fixed centers and geared together, coacting shear knives on the saiddrums, a plurality of motors for driving the said drums, an electrically operated brake for stopping the said drums, the said drums being normally stationary between the approach of successive bars and their engagement by the shear, a brake circuit, three power circuits each controlling certain of the driving motors, a positive main, contact bars for supplying the various circuits With current, mechanically operated contactors for connecting the various contact bars with the positive main, a magnetic switch for controlling th current supply to all of the power circuits, a shuntrfrom the positive main to energize the coil of the magneticV switch through one xed and one moveable contact, and a flag or lever' actuated by each advancing bar as it nears 6 thus closing the said magnetic switch in readiness to supply. current to the motor circuits, in combination with 'a cam shaft and cams for operating the said contactors at desired times.

20. A rotary flying shear comprising a pair of' rotary drums mounted to rotate on fixed centers v and geared together, coacting shear knives on the 4stopping the said drums, the said drums being 75 cessive bars and ytheir engagement by the shear, automatic means for starting the shear from a state of rest in a fixed relation to the leading end ol each advancing bar, by the application oi a regulated supply of4 current to certain of the driving motors, the said amount oi' current being proportioned to bring the shear drums up to a substantially set speed just before the cutting period, automatic means for discontinuing the said current supply, and automatic means tor supplying an increased amount of current to the said motorsand a similar' supply to a certain additionai motor or motors to make the desired out.

2l. il rotary dying shear comprising a pair oi lrotary drums mounted to rotate on lined centers and geared together, coacting shear irnlves on the said drums, a plurality oi motors for driving the said drums,l an electrically operated braise lor stopping the said drums, the said drums being normally stationary between the' approach ci successive bars and `their engagement by the shear, means for starting the shear at the approach or each bar to be cut, means for adjusting the amount or current supplied to maire the cut to the section to be cut, means for timing the application of the said current to the time re quired to make the cut, means lor operating the shear between.` cuts at a desired speed to nn the lengths of the sections cut, and means iorstopping the shear drums in a definite position ai'ter 'the last'cut is made on each bar.

22. 'A rotory Htl/ing shear comprising a pair oi rotary drums mounted to rotate on lined centers and ."geared together, coasting shear knives on the said drums, a plurality of motors ior driving the said drums, an electrically operated bralre iorstopping 4the said drums, the said drums being normally stationary between the approach oi successive bars and their engagement by the shear, means for feeding the bar to be cut to the lrnives,

and six electric operating circuitsV including a braking circuit, an idling circuit, an accelerating circuit, and a cutting circuit; .the said four circuits being automatically controlled both as to the time of application and the amount of current supply, a manually controlled manipulating circuit for the shear drum, and a manually controlled manipulating circuit for the feeding means. p

23.- il rotary flying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted toJ rotate on fixed centers and geared together, coasting shear knivesv on the said. drums, a plurality of motors for driving the said drums, an electrically operated brake for stopping the said dr11ms,'the said drums being normally stationary between the approach of successive bars and their engagement by the shear,

` a series oi cams driven from fone of the said` drums at an even speed therewith, a rocker arm actuated by each oi the-said caras,v a contactar mounted at' one end of each rocker arm, contact bars adjacent to the said contactors to coxmilete certainoircuits tothe brake and-nto the driving motors, and means for locking the said contactors on the said rocker arms in either an operative or v an inoperative position. l l

2li. A rotary flying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted on parallelaxesitor rotation about iixed centers a vmotor fordriving the same, spaced coactlng knives carried bythe said drums, means for feeding the barto be shearedr.-

to the knives, at a substantiallyconstant speed, meansfor startingl the shear :fromy rest at the approach of each bar to be sheared, and means for operating the shear driving motor during the passage of a bar through'the shear, at a pulsating speed to vary the cut section lengths.

25. it rotary flying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted on parallel axes for rota-v tion about fixed centers a motor lor driving the .rotary drums mounted on parallel axes lor rota tion about lined centers, spaced coacting knives carried by the said drums, means lor ieeding the bar to he sheared to the lrnives, means '.ior starting the idle shear :trom a state ol' rest and accelerating it to a speed in substantial equality with the speedci the bar, means tor supplying -addi-- ,tional current during the cutting periods to maintain this equality oi" speed between the shear and the bar, and means operating subsequent to each cut ior allowing the shear speed to tall belovv the har speed during an interval calculated to produce a dehnite lag, beiore the shear is again accelerated ior the nent cut. I

2'?. .n rotary flying shear comprising a pair ol yrotary drums mounted on parallel ases :lor rotation about iixed centers, enacting knives carried by the-said drums, means for ieedi'ng the bar to be sheared to the knives, means ior starting, stopping, and varying the speed of the shear drums during the passaeeol each bar therethrough, one or more electric motors for driving the said drums, and a master controller driven in synclironism with ,the said drums and arranged to control the driving motor or motors to produce a desired cycle of operations on each bar.

lil

28. A rotary iiying shear comprising a pair or by the said drums, means for feeding the bar to vbe sheared to the knives, means for starting,

stopping, and varying the speed of the shear drums during the passage ol each bar therethrough. one or more electric motors for driving the shear drums, and a master controllergeared to one of the shear drums at an even speed there-,-

driving motor or motors to produce a desiredA Cycle of operations on each bar.

2li.l A. rotary yinglshear comprising a pair oi rotary drums mounted on parallel axes for routation aboutV xed centers, coasting kni'ves car- .in synchronism with the shear drums and arrotary drums mounted on parallel axes for rota-4 .tionabout iixed centers, coacting knives carried with, and arranged to automatically control the I ranged to control the driving motor or motors,

said master controller including a number of adjustable cams each controlling the timing of the current supply to certain of the said motors.

3 0. A rotary flying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted on parallel axes for rotation about fixed centersfcoacting knives carried by thesaid drums, means for feeding the bar to be sheared to the knives, means for starting, stopping, and varyingthe speed or the shear drums during the /passage of each bar .therethrough, one or more electric motors fordriving the said drums, and a master controller driven in synchronism with the shear drums and arranged rotary drums mounted on parallel axes for rotation about xed centers, coacting knives carried by the said drums, means for feeding the bar to be sheared to the knives, means for starting, stopping, and varying the speed of the shear drums during the passage of each bar therev through, one or more electric motors for driving the said drums, and a master controller driven in synchronism with the shear drums and arranged to control the driving motor or motors, by timing the current supply to them, in combination with means for predetermining the amount of such currentsupply for each cross section of bar cut, and for different lengths of cut sections.

32. A rotary flying -shear comprising a pair Iof rotary drums mountedonparallel axes for rotation about fixed centers, coacting knives carried by the said drums, means for feeding the bar to be sheared to the knives, means for starting,

f stopping,.and varying the speed of the Ashear drums during the passage of each bar therethrough, one or more -electric motors for driving the shear drums, in combination with means for regulating the driving forces applied to the shear drums, and means for timing the application of l. the said driving forces to suit the demands of the instant cycle.

3 3. A rotary ying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted on parallel axes for rotal'tionlabout xed centers, a plurality of pairs of coacting .shear knives carried by the said drums, means for feeding the bar to be sheared to the knives, a motor or motors for drivingthe said drums, and means operating after the passage of each bar-through the shear for stopping the said drums with one of the said pairs of knives in a definite position in readiness -to make a rst cut on the succeeding bar when the shear is again started, incombination with means for altering the angular relation between the said stopping means and the shear knives, in such a manner that any coacting pair of knives may be selected to make the first. cut on a series of bars.

34. A rotary flying shear comprising a -pair of rotary drums mounted on parallel axes for rotation about xed centers, a plurality of .pairs of coacting shear knives carried by the said drums, means for feeding the bar to be sheared to the knives, a motor or motors for driving the said drums, a shaft connected to one of the said drums, a second shaft Vgeared to the said first shaft by even gears, a series of cams on the said second shaft, and contactors operated by the'said cams ina desired sequence to control the driving motors. to cut a bar into sections.

35. A rotary flying shear comprising 'a frame, two parallel shafts mounted therein for rotation about fixed centers, a drum on each of the said shafts, a shear knife on each of thesaiddrums,v the said knives coacting to shear a bar passing between them, ,at least one of the said lknives having its cutting face located in a non-radial `2,228,896 l Y l plane and each of said knives having a fixed angular relation to its shaft during periods of operation, and means for driving the said drums. 36; A rotary flying shear comprisinga frame,

two parallel shafts mounted thereinv for rotation about xed centers, a drum on each of thesaid shafts, a shear knife on each of the said drums, the said knives coacting lto shear a bar passing between them, one of the said knives having its cutting face located in a radial plane through the center of the drum shaft, and its cutting edge substantially at a right angle thereto, and the other of the said knives having its cutting face located in a non-radial plane, and means for driving the said drums.

37. A flying shear comprising a frame, two rotary drums mounted to rotate on parallel fixed axes, means for driving the drums,I a plurality of shearknives on each. of the said drums, the knives on one drum coacting respectively with the knives on the other drum to shear a bar passing between them, and the knives of one drum all being mounted with their-cutting faces located substantially in radial drum planes, while the knives of the other drum are all mounted with their cutting faces in non-radial planesv in such a manner that the two coacting knives of each pair 4occupy non-parallel positions both at the beginning and ending of each cut.

38. A` flying shear. comprising a frame, two rotary drums mounted to rotate on parallel fixed axes, means for driving the said drums, a plurality of shear knives on each of the said drums, i

the knives of one drum being mounted to engage the bar squarely at the beginning of a cut and obliquely at its end, while the knives of the other drum .are mountedso. as to engage the bar obliquely at the beginning of the cut and squarely at its end.

39. A rotary iiying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted to rotate on xed centers and geared together, coacting shear knives on the said drums, a plurality of motors for driving the said drums half of said motors being geared directly to each of said drums, electrically operated brakes for stopping the said drums one ofsaid brakes being geared directly f-to each of said drums. the said drums being normally stationary between the approach of successive bars and their engagement by the shear,

. automatic means for-starting the shear from a state of rest ina xed relation to the leading end of each advancing bar, and manually,cont'rolled means for stopping the shear in a definite position in readiness for the next start.

40. A rotary flying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted to rotate on fixed centers and geared together, coacting shear knives on the said drums, a plurality of motors for driving `the said drums, an electrically operated brake for stopping the said drums, the said drums being normally stationary between 'the approach of successive bars and their engagement by the shear, means for preadjusting the current sup ply to the driving motors to enable-,the shear to cut various cross sections up to a designed maximum, means for cutting a range of section lengths, means for controlling the speed /of the advancing bars, means-for starting, stopping,-

the shear drums either in a forward or reverse direction for adjustments or repairs. f 4

it. .a rotary dying shear comprising a pair of rotary drums mounted to rotate on fixed centers and geared together, coacting shear knives on the said drums, a plurality o! motors for driving` the said drums, an electrically operated brake `ior stopping the said drums, the said drums being normally stationary between the approach of successive bars and their engagement by the shear, an operators station, means controlled troni the said station for starting and stopping the shear to make the cuts, for preadjusting the power supply to suit the cuts. for varying the speed oi the shear drumsbetween cuts, and for adjusting the speed of the roller table which ieerls the bar to the shear.

43. A rotary flying shear'comprising a pair or rotary drums mounted to rotate on fixed centers and geared together, coacting shear knives on the said drums, a plurality of motors for driving the said drums, an electrically operated brake tor stopping the said drums, the said drums being normally stationary between the approach of successive bars and their engagement bythe shear, a shaft driven by one of the said drums at an even speed therewith, the said shaft being mounted at a convenient height above the operators platform and having overhanging ends, and each end of the said shalt being adapted to receive one of al series of cam holders, changeable earns therefor, Acircuit controlling contactors operated bythe said cama for each end `of the said shaft, and means l'or locking the ,said contactors at one end of the said shaft in an inopera- 4tive position, whereby the vshear may be contrailed by the cams on the other end of the said shaft, and a new set of cams may be placed in position on the idle end of the saidshaft, in readiness for the'riext length to. be cut, and while the shear is in operation.

14. The method of operating a rotary ilying shear to out sections of substantially equal length trom a moving metal bar, comprising the ioliowing steps: starting the shear from rest for each long bar to be sheared, and accelerating the shear to the bar speed; and then'cutting oir successive sections at a speed substantially equal to the bar speed by intermittently .increasingthe current supply t the driving motors at the cutting instant by a predetermined amount.l

45. The method of operating a rotary iliillv shear to cut sections of substantially equal length from a moving metal bar, comprising the fo/lloyv- 05 ing steps: starting the shear from rest for each long bar to be sheared, and accelerating the shear to the bar speed; then ,cutting off a section at a speed substantially equal to the bar speed by increasing the current supply to the driving motors by a predetermined amount; then reducing the speed of the shearhelow that of the bar by a decrease of driving force; then re-accelerating the shear to the bar speed just before theV next succeeding cut; and then cutting at bar speedas before.

46. The method of operating a. rotary flyingv shear to cut sections of substantially-'equal length `from a moving metalL bar, comprising the followingsteps: starting the shear from rest foreach long bar to be sheared, and accelerating the shear to bar speed; then cutting ofi a section at a speed ing the current supply to the driving motors by a predetermined amount; then, increasing the speed of the shear above that of the bar for a short period; then decreasing the speed of the shear to the speed of the bar;' and then cutting again at substantially the bar speed.

47. 'I'he method of operating a rotary iying shear to cut sections of substantially equal length from a moving metal bar, comprising' the following steps: starting the shear from rest for each long bar to be sheared, and accelerating the shear to the bar speed.; then cutting off a sectionat a speed substantially equal to the bar speed by increasing the current supply to the .substantially-equal to the har speed byincreasf `d8. A rotary flying shear comprising a pair of rotary knife carriers mounted on parallel axes for rotation about fixed centers, a shear knife on each of said carriers. said knives co-operating to shear a moving bar passing between them,` means ifor feeding the bar to the shear, one orvmore electric motors for driving said knife carriers, a master controller driven in a fixed ratio to the rotary motion of said knife carriers, wiring connecting the said controller with the said 'motor or motors, and means whereby the said controller may distribute current to the said motor or motors to produce a repetitive cutting cycle, the said current supply being so timed, and so graduated in amount, as to meet at all times the instant torque demanded by said knife carriers to perform saidcutting cycle.

49. The method of operating a rotary flying shear. tocut sections from a moving metal bar,

comprising rst. starting the shear from rest for each long bar to be subdivided;V second, driving the shear continuously during the subdivision of I bringing into service an addition-al motor or motors, to furnish additional power during the cutting periods.

' f WALTER W. MACFARREN. 

